According to FOX Sports Ohio's Sam Amico, the Cleveland Cavaliers are squarely in middle of the Dwight Howard trade talks once again, only this time with the Los Angeles Lakers as the team looking to add the Magic's franchise center. The Cavs were reported to be a third team in a potential Orlando and Brooklyn trade, but those talks broke down and the Nets opted to sign Brook Lopex to a max contract. But Amico confirmed earlier reports that the Cavs have thrown their hat back into the ring again, only their doing a little more than just facilitating the trade this time. As you might expect, that the Cavs would need to land Lakers' center Andrew Bynum and receive confirmation that he would sign an extension in Cleveland:
Been told by several trusted sources now that talks between Lakers, Cavs & Magic are real. "Cavs, as usual, being a big pain," said one. But they want assurances Bynum would sign extension before even thinking about it.
Amico also alluded to a quote from Orlando TV reporter Dave Pingalore saying that a Howard trade to Los Angeles is "imminent" so things could be moving quite fast here (although we've heard that before over the past month when it comes to Howard). What is easily the most intriguing part of this potential deal, however, is the obvious super power that appears to be created by sending Howard to the Lakers to pair with Kobe Bryant and Steve Nash. But on the Cavs end, the deal would land a true superstar to play with rising phenom Kyrie Irving.
MORE: Andrew Bynum Would Consider Signing Long-Term Extension With Cavs, According To Report
That "superteam creation" was reportedly one of the reasons Cleveland was hesitant to make the originally-proposed trade with the Brooklyn Nets (with Kris Humphries insistence on a three to four year guaranteed deal as another roadblock). Apparently, though, the organization is not quite as concerned about the perception of such a move when a prize like Andrew Bynum is on the table.
For more NBA trade rumors involving the Cavs, be sure to stay with this StoryStream. For more Cavaliers coverage, make sure to check out Fear The Sword. And for more NBA news and analysis, head over to SB Nation's NBA hub.